BX7I4S 
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HISTOHKAL  NOTES 


_!.-ia 


Coiij^rei^  ational  Churches 


NEW  LONDON  COUNTY, 

Fnnn  1S;](;  to  1S(>9, 

Fn's«'iit(Ml  to  the  ('(uifcicnt'e  at  Montvillc,  (htobcr  I'itli,   \s(iU. 


HIHA3I  P.  AK3IS, 

/'o.sfor  of'  f/ii    I'irst  ill  Ill-fit  ill  Xoriri'-li. 


NORWICH  : 

nUNTKK  BY   Wll.CnX  *   DAVIS, 

18fi9. 


f/aiCALsn 


HISTOKICAl.  NOTKS 


Conjires^titional  Churclies 


IN 


NEW  LONDON  ( 01 NTY, 


Vvmn  \SM\  U)  IsiJ*.). 


rrcM'ut  ')1  (<•  the  (  DiilVrtucc  at  .M(»n1viII('.  October   I'itli,    ls<>!». 


HI!J AM   r.  AH3IS. 


/'iisfor  of  t/n    I' list    CliKi-f/i  ill   \(triri'/i. 


NORWICH  : 

MtlX'IKI)   KY   WU.COX   A    DAVIS, 

is«;>. 


i:$;Um  48:12,13— ^Valh  about  ^tou,  ami  i^o  round  about  her, 

tfU  the  toners  thfrcof. 
^«arh  uf  ncU  her  bulnarlvei.  consirtcr  her  paUucs.  that  uc  may 

tfU  it  to  the  lU'ncration  foUon'ini). 

8inoe  it  w«is  mv  i)riviloge  to  liecome  a  resident  of  this 
oountv  the  index  on  the  dial  plate  of  time  has  moved  for- 
ward one-third  of  a  centnry.  This  marks  the  aire  of  a  wliole 
•leneratlon.  It  e(|uals  the  jHTiod  of  our  Saviors  sojourn  on 
the  earth.  Tlie  world  in  all  its  ini])ortant  interests,  mate- 
rial, intellectual,  social  and  religious,  has  kept  ])ace  with  the 
onward  movements  of  time. 

The  (.'onl'erence  of  the  Con.iire.uational  Churches  of  New 
London  County  has  iXMjnested  me  to  ,<:ive  some  account  of 
the  j)ro_uress  of  these  churclies.  as  it  has  fallen  under  !ny  own 
observation  durin<i-  the  last  thirty-three  years.  In  pin'suanee 
of  this  appointment  I  invite  you  to-day  to  accompany  me  in 
a  walk  ahont  this  portion  ol"(Mn-  Zion.  to  mark  her  bulwarks. 
(M)nsider  her  i)alaces.  and  nndve  note  of  them  i'nv  the  coming 
i::eneration. 

We  will  t;d<"  them  in  the  order  of  their  seniority,  hence 

we  be,iiin  with  the 

First  (Iturch  in  Xctr  LoHffon. 

It  was  oi-<iani/.e(l  in  1  ()•')<».  At  the  beginning  of  the  pe- 
riod nuder  review.  \i\  IS.JC),  the  Kev.  Abel  xMcEwen.  D.  I).. 
was  its    pastor,  then  in  the  vigor  of  his  manhood.      Al'ter  a 


4 

siiccossCiil  ministry  of  •")()  Years  ho  was  rclioved  from  active 
service  by  the  settlement  of  a  colleiiijue,  the  Hev.  Thomas  P. 
F'ield.  D.  [).,  the  present  pastor.  Fonr  years  hiter  he  went 
to  his  rest. 

Dr.  McEwen  was  one  of  the  pioneers  in  tlic  work  ot 
Home  Missions,  and  was  identitiiMl  witli  most  of  the  move- 
ments in  the  State  for  the  extension  olsonnd  leai'ninu'.  pnre 
morality,  and  vital  piety. 

Undei'  his  ministry  his  parish  erected  a  snhstantial 
chnrch  edijlce  ot  "granite  and  furnished  it  with  a  new  oruan. 
Thongh  the  church  has  sent  out  a  lame  colon v,  its  nundjers 
are  not  essentially  diminishe(l. 

The  apparent  decrea.se  in  the  table  whicli  follows  is  be- 
lieved to  be  due  to  the  correction  of  the  catalo<2;ue,  and  the 
erasure  of  the  names  of  members  long  absent. 

Fit  'st  Clitfi  'clt  1 1  i  Xo  )'fri  eh , 

()]{(;anized  i<3(3(), 

Has  had  six  pastors,  giving  to  each  an  average  of  'M')h 
years.  The  present  church  editice  was  built  in  iSOl,  re- 
modeled in  184(»,  and  since  thoroughlv  repaired,  and  a  new 
oi'gan  introduced.  In  lS-")2  Mrs.  Gen.  William  Williams 
presented  to  the  society  a  lot  of  ground  with  a  brick  store 
upon  it,  adjacent  to  lier  paternal  homestead.  On  this  they 
erected  a  chapel  of  brick,  containing  a  commodious  lecture 
room,  and  a,  study.  In  the  latter  is  de])i'sited  a  pastoral  li- 
))rarv,  the  gift  o(  a  few  liberal-minded  individnals.  It  has 
no  fund  for  re[)lenishing  it. 

The  congregation  on  the  Sabbath  has  regularly  increas- 
ed, till    the  house  is  becoming  too  strait  ibr  it. 

The  Sunday  School  has  grown  in  nund)ers  and  cfKcien- 
cv.  The  churcdi  has  been  largely  replenished  {"rom  this 
source.  God  has  blessed  tlie  church  with  si.v  seast)ns  of  re- 
freshing.     Those  of  1S42  and  IStiT  were  most  extensive. 

The  reliance  Ibr  home  evangalization  is  mainly  on  a 
band  of  Christian  females,  who  visit  monthly  more  than  four 
hundred  families.  The  cliurch  has  in  this  time  raised  up 
twelve  ministers,  and  has  several  more  in  training. 


First  (lit welt  hi  Sfoinnf/toH, 

<»!;(;. WIZKi)    i(;7i. 

Il;i.<  i)c('ii  (liiiiiiiislicd  by  scndiiiii- (Mil  t\\(»  cohjiiics.  one 
ill  1n4o  to  tlic  cliurrli  at  Piiwcatiick.  and  one  in  IS'il  to  tlie 
cliiircli  at  Mystic  Hridiii*.  Five  revivals  aro  rejjortcd.  the 
most  extensive  in  IS-t'i,  which  achU'd  to  tlie  cliurcli  4o  niem- 
\)vyr^.  Two  pastors  have  l)een  dismissed.  The  IJev.  Paul 
Couch  is  at  present  the  stated  j)rea(dier. 

(Intrch  hi   ()lf(  Ltjinc, 

Ol.MiAXlZKl)    l<;(i:i. 

lias  dismissed  one  jiastor.  Iiev.  Chester  Colton.  Thr' 
))resent  ineumbeiit.  Rev.  L)a\is  S.  Brainard,  is  in  tiie  2'.)th 
year  ol"  Ids  pastorate. 

VlinvcU  in  Preston, 

OIKiANIZKl)    ic.os. 

Has  disinisx'd  two  pa«<tors.  and  is  now  vacant.  Within 
tlie  last  lour  years.  uiKhn-  tiie  pastorate  ol'  the  Rev.  A.  }J. 
Wileox.  the  chureh  has  been  ureally  revi\-ed  ami  the  parisli 
streii,i:tliened.  The  house  of  worshi])  has  be<'n  thorouuhh  re- 
paired, a  new  parsonauv  built,  and  the  salary  of  the  ])a>:tor 
doubled.  'I'he  society  has  a  iiind  of  .9'^>-'S-")((.  established  in 
17S-t.  So  lonii'  as  this  fund  was  their  main  reliance  the\- 
languished.  Since  they  liaAc  ])Ut  their  own  hand  to  the 
work,  and  drawn  liberally  from  their  private  resources.  tli<^ 
Lord  has  blessed  them  abundantly.  The  conirreuation  has 
lariiely  increased,  and  many  have  been  gathered  into  the 
church.  in  four  years  it  has  inci'eased  bo  per  cent.  A 
steady  pro«:ress  has  also  been  made  in  the  tein|)eiance  reform. 

(Iniych  in  Lvlxmon. 

oKiiAXIZKI)    17(H). 

Two  of  its  three  j)astors  diirinu  the  time  uiuh-r  re\  iew  , 
were  dismissed,  and  have  since  entered  into  their  rest,  vi/.: 
Rev.  Edwarfl  Bull,  and  Rev.. John  C.  Nichols.  The  i)i('.<ent 
pastor.  Rev.  Orlo  D  Nine,  is  in  the  14tli  year  of  his  pastor- 
ate.    God  has  blessed  the  cinmh  with  freipient  revivals,  the 


6 

last  of  which,  in  1867,  })rought  into  it  4')  mcnihers.  iiiiiny  of 
thi'iii  lionds  of  famihes. 

This  parish,  in  connuoii  with  most  of  our  rui-al  [)arish('s. 
has  to  contond  with  a.  constant  (h'aft  n])on  its  strciiiith  hy 
(Mni<.vration.  It  has  furnished  six  men  for  the  ministry. 
Not  all  its  emigrants  foruet  the  old  homestead.  One  of  them, 
accustomed  to  such  acts  of  beneticenoe,  has  recently  endowed 
a  pastoral  library,  with  a  fnnd  of  Sl.COO.  The  society  has 
erected  a  parsoniige  and  a  building  ior  the  acconnnodation  of 
the  pastoral  library  and  study. 

They  ha\e  a  jjcrmanent  fund  of  $7.00(1.  and  pay  a  sal- 
ary oi  $900  with  the  use  of  parsonage. 

Churcli  hi  Coh']i(\sf('i\ 

OlM^AXIZKJ)   17U.;, 

Has,  since  18-56  maintained  a  constant  and  healthful 
growth.  Four  othci-  denominations  lia\e  planted  churches 
within  the  limits  of  the  parish.  Meantime  the  attendance 
upon  the  (.'ongregational  Chundi  has  largel}-  increased.  A 
new  church  edifice  was  !)uiit  in  1842  and  repaired  in  1867. 
A  convenient  chapel  has  also  been  erected.  Four  pastors 
have  been  dismissed,  three  of  whom  have  gone  to  their  rest. 
The  })resent  incum))ent.  Kev.  Samuel  G.  Willard,  was  in- 
stalled in  8epten3ber,  1868,  on  a  sa.lar\  of  $2,000.  The 
Sunday  School  has  been  very  efficient  in  pre})«iring  the  young 
for  church  fellowship.  There  have  be<^'n  live  s'^asons  of  re- 
ligious revival,  which  added  largely  to  the  membershi])  of 
the  church.  Under  the  present  pastorate  a  number  have 
been  gathered  into  the  fold  ol'  Christ. 

Cluu'cJi  hi  Grofoii, 

ORGANIZED   1705, 

Has  had  in  the  last  38  years  4  pastors,  two  of  them  dis- 
missed, and  one.  Rev.  Samuel  W.  Brown, gone  to  his  reward. 
The  present  pastor,  Rev.  Jose])h  E.  Swallow,  was  installed 
in  18f)7.  During  the  past  year  the  chundi  has  re-Htted  and 
Leautified  its  house  of  worship,  and  is  in  a  state  of  general 
j.rosperity. 


(7nn'ch  hi  Frdtthlhi. 

Last  iiutiiinn  the  church  coinincinonitcd  its  loKtli  auiii- 
NX'isarv  witli  appropriate  services. 

Since  18:50  a  new  church  e(hlice  has  l)een  huilt  and  fle- 
niolished  and  a  much  hetter  one  erected,  on  a  more  eh,i:ihle 
site.  A  [)arsonau('  has  jdso  l)een  recently  huilt  and  ])r('S"nted 
to  the  society  hv  the  late  Ezra  Clnippell,  Escp.  of  New  Fion- 
don.  In  18o2  the  venerahle  Dr.  Samuel  Nott  passed  away, 
in  the  U'.lth  year  of  his  a^e.  and  t'»e  Tlstyear  of  his  past(!r- 
ate.      He  had  a  salary  oK^KMI,  ($800. oo)'  and  a  settlement. 

The  poj)ulation  of  the  town  is  less  than  it  was  00  years 
a_i:-o.  and  the  attendance  upon  jjublic  worshij).  which  has  in- 
creased of  late,  is  pnjbahly  not  ureater  than  it  was  then. 
The  parish  has  lost  iiuich  l»y  emigration.  Five  revivals  <if 
religion,  two  of  them  of  great  power,  have  added  much  to 
tlie  strength  of  the  church.  Four-fifths  of  the  congregati(!n 
are  in  the  Sunday  School.  The  present  pastor,  Kev.  Frank- 
lin C.  Joni's.  was  ordained  in  February,  ISGo.  During  the 
present  autumn  the  remains  of  the  Uev.  Samuel  Nott.  one  of 
the  first  Missionaries  of  the  xVmerican  Board  to  India,  were 
interred  in  th.   parisli  cemetery,  hy  the  sepulcherof  his  father. 

(Inirch  hi  GiisfroIfL 

OiaiAMZKI)   IT-'o, 

Has  had  three  i)astors  since  18?)(),  two  ol'  whom  were 
dismissed.  The  present  ])astor,  the  Kev.  Bennett  F.  Nor- 
throj),  has  t)een  in  office  sixteen  years. 

Emigration  and  death  have  made  serious  iiu'oads  u[)on 
the  parisii.  The  society  has  a  fund  of  between  eight  tuid 
nine  thousand  dollars,  and  ])ays  a  salary  ol  8<><>0.  The 
Sunday  School  embraces  most  of  the  congregation.  A  re- 
vival of  religion  in  1S(>7  added  2(S  to  the  church.  Two 
ministers  have  been  raised  up.  Amidst  nnmy  discourage- 
ments the  pastor  has  reason  to  know  that  his  labor  is  not  in 
vain  in  tlie  Lord. 

Chui'('/t  hi  Moiifi'lUe. 

oIMt.VNIZKI)   IT-'l. 
Since  the  vear   I80G   this  church  has  been   without  a 


8 

settled  pastor.  Their  spiritual  interests  have  suffered  iu 
conse(]ueDce.  The  eongregation  has  diminished.  They 
have  enjoyed  no  general  revival  sinee  1842.  Reeently. 
however,  their  affairs  present  a  more  hopeful  aspect.  Their 
house  of  worship,  built  in  1847,  has  been  thoroughly  re- 
paired, a  new  organ  intro(Uieed,  and  a  convenient  ])arsonagc 
erected. 

The  Sunchiy  School  embraces  almost  the  entire  congre- 
gation. The  Rev.  William  M.  Birehard  is  the  stated  preaxdi- 
er.  If  the  friends  of  Christ  in  Montville  will  continue  to 
labor  as  they  have  begun,  to  strengthen  the  things  that  re- 
main, the  blessing  of  the  Lord  will  descend  upon  these 
[)leasant  hills  like  the  dew  upon  Hermon. 

IJshon,  Netrent  Society, 

()1{(;ANIZP:D   172;i. 

In  1855  the  Rev.  Levi  Nelson,  after  a  pastoratv!  of  fifty- 
one  years,  was  received  up  on  high,  in  the  77th  year  of  his 
age.  He  was  '*an  able  divine,  an  impressive  preacher,  a 
good  man,  f^iithful  to  his  trust."  The  pulpit  is  at  present 
supplied  by  Rev.  John  Haskell,  as  stated  preacher.  In  1858 
the  venerable  old  meeting-house,  the  last  representative,  in 
this  region,  of  the  antique  style  of  church  architecture  in 
New  England,  was  demolished,  and  a  modern  structure  took 
its  place. 

(Jhiirch  in  East  Lyme, 

okganizp:i)  1724.' 

This  is  one  of  our  feeble  churches,  and  is  at  present 
without  a  pastor.  The  Rev.  Joseph  Ayer.  recently  dismiss- 
ed, has  a  call  to  another  settlement,  in  a  ripe  old  age  of  7() 
years 

The  society  has  a  substantial  church  edifice  built  of 
stone,  by  the  liberality  of  the  late  Nathanial  L.  Griswold, 
Esq,,  of  New  York,  a  grandson  of  the  first  pastor  of  the 
church,  the  Rev,  George  Griswold.  The  parish  has  idso  a 
fund  of  $5,000  for  the  support  of  the  gospel,  $3,000  of  which 
were  contributed  by  the  family  of  George  Griswold,  Esq.,  also 
adescendantof  thefirst  pastor.      Such  examples  of  liberalitv 


0 

c  )iiiiiuMi(l  t'lC'insclvc'S  to  imitation.  It  is  dtic  to  our  IrcMc 
chuivhe's,  that  tlio^e  who  I'orsakc  their  pattMiial  acres  to  se<'k 
wealth  elsewhere,  in  like  iiiaimer  reiiienihei'  the  home  of  their 
chiklliood, 

LtjuH,  ( IIain1nfi'(/J 

OlJCiANlZKl)   IT-'T. 
The  Rev.  Enoch  F.  Burr,  D.  D.,  is  in   the  I'.ltii  vear  of 
his  pastoi'ate. 

Xo  i  'tJi  Sfo  tin  I  f/to  1 1 , 

OKCiANIZED   17  JT. 
Has  had  three  pastors — is  at  present  vacant. 

ORGANIZED  ITJit. 
This  ehurch  has  a  permanent  fund  of  $1),00()  anil  pays 
asalarj'  of  $6-30.      Rev.  Hiram  Ixdl  is  stated  preachei-. 

Leba  n  on — Gosh  en. 

OUGAXIZFJ)  1729. 
This  is  a  workin.U"  church.  Most  of  itsmemhers  attend 
the  weekly  prayer  meetin^ii".  No  spirituous  li(piors  are  sold 
in  the  i)arisli.  and  \QYy  few  addicted  to  the  use  of  them. 
The  Sun(hiy  School  nearly  etpials  the  congre.uation.  Fre- 
quent revivals  liave  given  elliciency  to  the  church.  Four 
pastors  have  been  dismissed,  two  of  whom  have  since  died. 
The  present  ])astor,  Rev.  Daniel  B.  Lord,  was  oi'dained  Oct. 
18GS.  The  j)arish  has  built  a  house  of  worship,  and  is 
erecting  a  convenient  parsonage. 

Jioxralt,  (  y^tr  Co)icoi'(fJ 

ORGAN IZEl)  irM). 
Except  six  years  from  1842  this  church  has  had  no 
pastor.  For  eleven  years  past  the  Rev.  N.  8.  Hunt  has  l)een 
the  stated  pi-eacher.  Three  new  societies  have  been  formed 
within  the  limits  of  the  parish,  and  yet  the  old  society  more 
than  holds  its  own.     Three  ministers  have  been  raised  up. 

Grass tj  II Uh  (in  LtjnteJ 

OK(tAN1ZED   1757.* 
The  Rev.  Wm.  A.  Hyde,  installed  in  18G7,  is  the  only 


10 

pastor  since  1820.  The  parisl]  contains  2o  families,  all  na- 
tive born,  with  a  cliurch  membership  of  49.  Most  members 
of  the  Sunday  School  are  hopefully  pious,  and  all  pledged  to 
temperance. 

ORGANIZED   1760. 

In  18G4  the  Rev.  A  Ivan  Bond,  D.  D.,  after  a  siiccessful 
pastoratf^  of  2U  yea\-s,  resigned  his  cliargv?,  and  was  succeed- 
ed by  the  present  ])astor,  the  Rev.  Malcolm  M.  G.  Dana. 
Dm'inii;  the  period  nuder  review  the  society  has  erected  a 
church  edifice  of  granite,  built  a  parsonage,  ])rocured  a  new 
organ,  and  increased  tlieir  pastor's  salary  from  $1,000  to 
$3,000  and  use  of  the  parsonage.  In  1848  Dea.  Joseph 
Otis,  of  this  church,  founded  a  pu')lic  Library,  also  a  pastor- 
al library,  and  provided  a  connnodious  brick  building  to  con- 
tain them.  The  church  has  been  blessed  with  five  general 
revivals  of  religion  which  have  added  to  its  nnmbers  and 
efficiency.  Its  members  snstain  a  Mission  Sunday  School, 
and  in  connection  with  the  Broadway  church,  support  a  city 
Missionary.     It  has  furnished  five  ministers. 

Sprm/ne,  (Hanover,) 

()1I(4ANIZEI)   ITOfJ. 

This  churcdi  has  enjoyed  the  labors  of  three  pastors,  two 
of  whom  were  dismissed,  and  one  died.  Rev.  Luther  S. 
Barber  is  at  present  stated  preacher.  The  church  has  been 
refreshed  by  frequent  revivals. 

Lebanon,  (Bxeter,) 

ORGANIZED  177:?. 

For  the  last  '21  yeai's  this  church  has  been  under  the 
charge  of  its  present  pastor,  the  Rev.  John  Avery.  A  new 
house  of  worship  was  built  in  1845,  aud  in  i8o2  a  parson- 
age was  procured,  with  12  acres  of  land.  The  congregation 
has  somewhat  diminished  with  the  decrease  of  po])ulation  in 
the  parish,  which  is  about  20  ])er  cent  in  20  years,  yet  the 
membership  of  the  churcii  has  greatly  increased.  Four  re- 
vivals of  religion  have  yielded  precious  fruit. 


11 

Exotor  shows  ;i  .L^ond  war  rcconl.  Out  of  a  |)()i)iil:ili(>ii 
of  351  fortv-ono  enteml  the  anny  as  privates.  Four  of  tliciii 
rose  to  the'  rank  of  Captain,  one  to  that  of  Hospital  Steward. 
and  one  beeanie  chief  ►Sur^'von  of  his  regiment. 

This  field  indicates  faithful  and  ])er.severing  culture. 

CJutrch  hi  Sale  in  n 

OlUiAXIZEl)   17'2o. 

Rev.  Charles  Thoin[)son,  pastor  of  this  chiuvh.  died  m 
185'),  a  godiv  man.  and'  a  faithful  pastor.  The  pulpit  has 
since  lieen  supplied  by  stated  preachers.  The  Rev.  Lent  S. 
Hough  has  recently  entered  upon  his  labors  here  with  much 
promise  of  success!     A  new  parsonage  has  been  liuilt.  ^ 

Church  In  Lcdiffwd, 

()K(;anizki)  isKt. 

The  Rev.  I'imothy  Tuttle,  pastor  of  this  church  from 
the  time  of  its  organizotion,  after  nfty-three  years  of  faithful 
and  self-denving  labors,  entered  into  his  rest.  On  a  salary 
of  S-'jf><K  added  to  the  cultivation  of  a  little  farm.  Father 
Tuttle  surroumled  himsell' with  the  comforts  of  life,  and  ex- 
ercised a  libi'ral  hosi)itality.  The  church  owes  much  to  the 
liberalitv  and  i)eis()nal  inHuence  of  one  of  her  non-resident 
sons.     We  love  to  note  such  instances  of  filial  regard. 

The  present  pastor,  the  Rev.  Charles  Cutting,  was  or- 
dained in  June,  ISCS.  He  has  been  permitted  to  reap  an 
abundant  harvest  from  the  good  seed  sown  ijy  his  predeces- 
sor. A  wonderful  work  ol  God's  grace  ])ervaded  the  parish 
during  the  last  autumn  and  winter.  The  whole  congrega- 
tion, with  few  exceptions,  including  many  heads  of  families, 
were  gathered  into  the  church,  thereby  more  than  doubling 
its  membershii).  The  Sunday  School — which  endjraces  the 
whole  congregation— takes  the  place  of  the  afternoon  ser- 
vice. No  intoxicating  li(iuor  is  sold,  and  little,  if  any  used 
in  the  parish.  .   . 

The  friends  of  Zion  have  cause  for  special  thanksgiving 
to  God  for  his  areat  goodness  to  the  church  in  Ledyard. 


12 
Church  in  Jewett  City, 

ORGANIZED  1825. 
Since  1836  this  church  has  had  five  pastors.  The  Rev. 
J.  W.  Tuck,  the  present  pastor,  was  installed  in  May,  18(U). 
A  new  church  edifice  was  built  in  18G7  at  a  cost  of  $15,000, 
and  nearly  paid  for.  In  1856,  a  fund  was  created  for  tlie 
support  of  the  gospel,  amounting  to  $8,000,  The  temper- 
ance cause  here  receives  a  very  efficient  support.  The 
church  has  furnished  two  foreign  missionaries. 

Church  at  Nonvicli  FalLs, 

ORGANIZED  IsiiV, 
Alter  an  existence  of  15  years,  in  which  it  accom])lished 
much  good,  was  in  1842  disbanded  and  absorl)ed  in  the 
neigWjoring  churches.  The  enterprise  was  begun  and  car- 
ried forward  by  a  few  earnest,  large-hearted  Christian  men, 
most  of  whom  rest  from  their  labors.  Among  them  w^ere 
the  Hon.  Charles  W.  Rockwell,  William  C.  Oilman,  and 
William  P.  Greene,  The  house  of  worship  was  afterward 
sold  for  a  nominal  price  to  the  Methodist  church,  which  con- 
tinues to  occupy  it. 

Church  in  Boxi'ffhrllle, 

ORGANIZED  18-2s. 

Tliough  one  of  the  least  of  the  tribes  of  our  Israel,  is 
among  the  foremost  in  point  of  zeal  and  efficiency  in  the 
work  of  the  Lord.  This  church  has  never  had  a  settled 
pastor,  ))ut  has  relied  upon  stated  preacliers.  The  pi-esent 
is  tlie  Rev.  William  Goodell. 

Their  house  of  worship  was  burned  in  1862,  and  was 
re-built  the  follow^ing  year.  A  tried  friend  of  the  church 
has  recently  presented  them  with  an  organ.  The  prayer 
meetings  are  a  power.  Much  has  been  accom})lished  by 
means  of  personal  labor  with  individuals.  The  Sunday 
School  has  furnished  to  the  ciiurch,  since  l8o6,  one  hundred 
members.      A  good  record  for  a  church  without  a  i)astor. 

Church  in  Mohcgan, 

0R(;ANIZED  1s:{2, 
Since  the  dismission  of  Rev.  Anson  Gleason  in  1848,  has 


13 

had  no  settled  pastor.  Rev,  Clarendon  F.  Mii/,/,\  is  stated 
preaeher.  A  revival  in  1842  added  22  to  the  (diiireli.  The 
congregation  is  composed  in  part  of  Indians.  The  chnrch 
owes  much  tn  the  personal  services  of  Gen.  Wni.  Willlianis. 

Sfon iufftou.  Second, 

()!{(; AX IZHl)  \x:v.\. 

'X\w  Rev.  Edward  W.  Oilman,  tlu'ir  fouitli  pastor,  was 
installed  in  1804.  A  good  house  of  worship  was  built  in 
lSo7.  A  chapel  is  in  the  process  of  erection.  The  society 
has  also  a  valuable  parsonaue.  They  pay  a  salarv  of  .Si, 800; 
appropriate  annually  $100  to  the  pastoral  library,  and  give 
liberally  to  public  charities.  While  they  thus  devise  liberal 
things  God  prospers  them.  Eight  revivals  are  reported 
during  the  last  83  years,  two  of  them  under  the  ])resent  pas- 
torate, adding  62  members  to  the  church.  Tliree  ministers 
have  been  raised  up. 

Church  In  Grcoicrillc, 

()U(4AXIZE1)  is:33. 

Under  the  continued  blessing  of  God,  and  with  fre(juent 
revivals  of  religion,  has  maintained  a  steady  and  healthful 
growth.  During  the  year  past  they  have  enlarged  their 
house  of  worship  and  introduced  an  excellent  organ.  Their 
chapel,  ibrmerly  occupied  by  Unitarians,  has  also  been  re- 
centl}-  made  lai'ger.  The  Sunday  School  has  been  found  an 
important  auxiliary  to  the  church.  One  of  our  aldest  foi- 
eign  ndssionaries,  the  late  Rev.  Wm.  Aitchison,  was  raised 
in  this  church,  as  was  also  its  present  pastor,  the  Rev.  Rob- 
ert P.  Stanton. 

Neiv  London,  Second, 

OIUiAMZKD  ls:i.5. 

The  Rev.  G.  Buckingham  "Willcox.  the  fourth  pastor, 
was  installed  in  1800. 

A  church  edifice  was  built  in  1834,  re-fitted  at  a  heavy 
expense  in  1868,  and  the  same  year  consumed  by  the  torch 
of  an  incendiary.  Nothing  daunted,  the  society  resolved  at 
once  to  re-build  in  a  more  eligible  position  and  of  more  en- 


14 

(luring  material.  A  beautiful  structure  of  granite,  overlook- 
ing tbe  city,  is  nearly  completed,  at  a  cost  of  ^8o,0()0.  Near 
by  is  a  commodious  parsonage,  recently  purchased  and  en- 
larged. Adjoining  tbe  church  is  a  commodious' chapel.  The 
church  sustains  four  Mission  Schools,  one  of  which  has  a  fine 
brick  chapel.  The  expense  of  these  enterprises  has  been 
met  with  a  liberal  spirit.  Four  general  revivals  have  been 
enjo3^ed  in  the  last  twelve  years,  the  most  extensive  in  1867, 
in  which  G8  were  added  to  the  church.  The  Sunday  School, 
under  the  Superintendence  of  Hon.  H.  P.  Haven,  is  the 
largest  in  the  county  and  is  regarded  as  a  model,  in  point  of 
management  and  efficiency.  Four  ministers  have  been  raised 
up,  and  two  more  are  in  a  course  of  Theological  study.  A 
live  church. 

Preston,  Long  Soelefij, 

OKGANIZED  1887. 

After  sustaining  Avorship  for  ahout  twenty  years,  this 
church  was  absorljed  by  adjacent  churches. 

Novuncli,  Broad iraij, 

ORGAXIZEI)  1S42, 

With  112  members,  mostly  from  the  Second  Church. 
In  October,  184.5,  they  entered  their  new  house  of  worship 
on  Main  Street.  In  September,  1854,  this  house  was  de- 
stroyed by  fire.  In  1857  they  entered  their  present  commo- 
dious church  on  Broadway.  They  have  had  a  rapid  growth, 
and  have  come  to  be  the  largest  church  in  the  county,  The 
Rev.  Daniel  Merriman,  their  third  pastor,  was  ordained  in 
September,  1808,  with  a  salary  of  $o,000  and  use  of  ])arson- 
age  recently  procured.  This  church  has  a  pastoral  library, 
founded  by  one  of  its  members.  It  sustains  a  Mission  Sun- 
day School,  in  a  chapel  erected  by  the  same  person.  In 
connection  with  the  Second  Church  it  employs  a  City  Mis- 
sionary, the  Rev.  Samuel  Ho])lcy,  who  is  doing  an  important 
work. 

The  educational  interests  of  the  city  are  largely  indebt- 
ed to  the  lal)ors  of  the  late  pastor  of  this  church,  the  Rev. 
John  P.  Gulliver,  D.  D. 


ir, 

()K(iAXIZKI)  is4:{. 

The  house  of  worship,  l)iiilt  in  IsID  lor  $'),000,  and  re- 
fitted at  a  oust  of  ^in.lHHI  in  IN()8  is  in  the  town  of  Ston- 
iii"-ton.  The  peojjle  are  mostly  on  the  other  side  of  the 
river,  in  Westerly,  R.  I.  The  enterpi'ise  of  this  tlourishinu 
village  does  not  expend  itself  on  personal  ag;:randizenient, 
but  is  seen  in  ])ublic  improvements,  in  schools,  in  a  first-class 
hotel,  and  in  houses  of  worship,  one  of  which,  at  least  in 
point  of  taste  and  convenience,  with  its  exctllent  oiaan,  will 
compare  favorably  with  any  similar  structures  in  our  cities. 
Until  ISGO  this  church  was  aided  by  the  R.  I.  Home  Mis- 
sionary Society. 

The  Kev.  Edward  W.  Root,  their  second  pastor,  was  in- 
stalled November,  1S68:  salary  $1,500. 

A  revival  in  180S  added  much  strength  to  the  church. 
The  other  churches  in  the  village,  Bai)tist.  Methoiist,  and 
Episcopal,  all  cordially  co-operated  in  this  revival,  and  shared 
largely  in  its  fruits. 

Mf/sffr  Jirhhf(\ 

(il{(iAXlZKl)  is.vj. 
l)uilt  a  house  of  worship  in  1847,  another  in  1800. 
which  was  enlarged  in  1S(»7.  During  the  seventeen  years 
of  its  existence  tliis  church  has  enjoyed  six  seasons  of  s])ecial 
revival,  the  last  of  which,  in  18GS,  added  oO  to  its  membei'- 
ship.  The  Young  Men's  Christian  Association,  sustained  by 
the  different  churches  in  the  viUage.  is  doing  a  good  work  in 
the  neighboring  districts.  Rev,  William  Clift,  the  tiiurth 
pastor,  was  installed  March.  1>>00. 

Fif('1n-UI<\  ( lUtxrah.) 

()K(;axizku  iso4. 

This  church  has  never  had  a  settled  pastor.  Ju.st  lie- 
fore  its  organization,  Asa  Fitch,  Esq.,  erected  at  Lis  own  ex- 
pense a  beautiful  churcli  edifice,  and  provided  for  the  main- 
tenance of  public  worship  so  long  as  he  lived.  Since  his 
death,  in  180'),  the  house  lias  been  closed  and  the  congrega- 
tion dispersed. 


16 


Eagle t'iU(%  Sprafjue, 

OKUANIZEl)  ]SGo! 

Tdffs  r  Ule,  Xort  r  ich , 

OIJGAXIZKI)  IsoT. 

These  ehurclies  are  yet  in  their  iiilancy.  Their  growth 
depends,  under  God,  upon  the  success  of  the  manufacturing 
interests  in  the  villages  where  they  are  planted.  One  minis- 
ter, the  Rev.  William  A.  Benedict,  at  present  has  charge  of 
them  botli. 

The' following  is  a  list  of  the  pastors  of  these  churches 
during  the  period  under  review^: 

•■•  Indicates  deceiifJiHl. 


ABEL  i\[.  EWEX,  1).  1)., 
THOMAS  P;  FIELD,  1).  D., 
ITIIJA.M  P.  AILMS,  D.  I)., 
Pt:TEP  ILSILVW, 
NEIihLMLVII  B.COOK, 
CHESTER  COLTOX, 
DAVIS  S.  BKAINAPD, 
XATHAX  S.  HUXT, 
Al^GLSTUS  W.  COLLIXS, 

asih^:p  h.  WILCOX, 

EDWAPJJBULL, 
.lOHX  C.  XICHOLS, 
OIILO  I).  HIXP; 
LYMAX  STPOXG, 
JOEL  P.  APXOLD, 
EPASTPS  DICKIXSOX, 
Ll'CIUS  CPPTIS, 
SAMUEL  G.  Wn.LAPD, 
SAMPEL  XOTT,  D.  D., 
GEOIJGE  J.  HAPPISOX^ 
JAlfED  P.  AVEPY, 

FPAXKLix  c.  joxp:s, 

\VILLIAM  P.  JEWETT, 
CALVIN  TEPPY, 
BENNETT  F.  XOPTHPOP, 
SPEXCEP  F.  BEAPD, 
LEVI  XELSOX, 
DAVID  BPFED, 
IIEPMAX  L.  VAIL, 
FPEDEPICK  (UHDLEY, 
JOSEPH  A  YEP, 


ENOCH  F.  BUPP,  1).  D., 
MIPOX  X.  3IOPPIS, 
STEPHEN  HPBBELL, 
DAXIEL  G.  SPPA(;UE, 
SPOFFOPD  D.  JEWETT, 
ISPAEL  T.  OTIS, 
JOSHUA  P.  BPOWX, 
ELIJAH  W.  TUCKEP, 

AAPOX  P.  liveilmopp:, 

DAXIEL  B.  LOPD, 
Wn.LIA:\I  y\.  BIPC  IIAPD, 
WHJJAM  A.  HYDE, 
ALVAX  BOXD,  D.  I)., 
MALCOLM  .AI.  G.  DAX^A, 
JAMES  A.  HAZEX, 

joiix  s.  WHrniAX, 

JOIIX  AVEPY, 
ELI  HYDE, 

CHAPLES  THO:\IPS0X, 
TL^IOTHV  TUTTLE, 
CHAPLES  CUTTING, 
G?:OPGE  PEP  KINS, 
WILLIAM  WPI(4HT, 
TIKLAIAS  L.  SIIIP31AN, 
IIENPY  T.  CHEE\EP, 
JEPE.MY  \Y.  TUCK, 
JOEL  AV.  XEWTOX, 
THO.MAS  K.  FESSEXDEN, 

Axsox  (;leason, 

J.  EPSKINE  EDWAPDS, 
WHJJA.AI  CLIFT, 


17 

KDWAlxT)  W.  (ilLMAX.  .lollN  I'.  (a'LT.IVKlJ,  D.  I)., 

AI.lMIoNSO  L.  \Vlirr.MAN\  DANIKL  MF.IMM.MAX, 

(  iiAKLKs  r.  r.rsii.  d.  d.,  kdwakd  w.  koot, 

Koi'.Kin  1*.  >'rANrox,  waltku  i:.  i,()X(;, 

.1.  yi.  MAC'DOXAJJ).  1).  I).,  *  ("lIAin.KS  II.  I'.OVI), 

*  AKTK.MAS  r.OlKS,  *  SA.MIKL  W.  I;K()\VX, 
TKVOX  KDWAKDS,  1).  I).,  .loSKI'lI  E.  SWALLOW, 

(;.  r,rcKiX(UiA.M  willcox  (;k()];(;kii.  woodwakd, 

WILLAHD  CHILD,  I).  D.,  *  CHAKLES  K.  MIKDOCK. 

The  cliiirclics  liiive  ('ini)l()V('(l  ;is  pR'aclicrs  for  a  lonircr 
or  shorter  period  the  loUowin^'  ministers,  in  luhlition  to  the 
pastors  named  above  : 

*  JOIIX  IIYDK,  JOIIX  IIASKKLL, 

*  JOIIX  W.  SALTEK,  OLI\  EIJ  JUloWX.  .In., 
EDWAUI)  EELLS,  II.  C.  IIAVDX. 

WM.  P.  AVEUY,  n.  HAYAK'i)  SXoWDEX, 

T.  D.  P.  STOXE,  AVILLIAM  E.  DIC'KIXSOX, 

*  OLIVEP  liKOWX,  TII03IAS  M.  BOSS, 

*  ISTEPHEX  HAYES,  JOSEPH  IirULBlT, 
GEOUCiE  ClfYER,  PHILO  JIDSOX, 
DkW  I'lT  C".  STEPKY,  CH  APLES  L.  AYEK, 
PIliXEAS  CPAXDALL,  :;:  J.\C()IJ  ALLEX, 

*  WHJJAM  AITCHISOX,  POPEPT  SOlTHGATE, 
WILLIA.M  W.  P.ELDEX,  =;:  ELI  HYDE, 

JOSEPH  A.  SAXTOX,  J;EXJ.  P.  HOl'KIXSOX, 

*  EPASTIS  PIPLEY,  XATHAXIEL-AIIXEP, 

*  SAL.MoX  C"OXE,  LEXT  S.  liorciH, 

*  ALPHA.MILLEP.  PAPL  COL'CH, 
(iEOlUiE  II.  WOODWAP.D,  AXPPEW  C  PEXLSOX, 
SYLYE>TEK  IIIXE.  S.  G.  W.  PAXKIX, 
HAPYEY  PL'SHXELL,  '  HHiA.AI  JiELL, 
PHIIJP  PAYSOX,  WILLIA^I  A.  IJEXEDICT, 
JAMES  A.  MOOPE,  HIPAM  TIJAC  Y, 
DAXn':L  G.  TYLEP,  C  LAPEXDOX  E.  .MUZZY, 
SAMUEL  (tIHsWoLD,  THOMAS  TALLMAX, 

*  EPEXEZEP  W.  POPIXSOX,     *  POS^^  ELL  WHrUMoPE, 
LI  rilEP  H.  BAPliEP,  *  8TEPHEX  GPUSBY. 
LEWIS  JESSUP, 

Of   the   eighty  pastors,  twenty   are   deceased,    twenty 

are  still  in  the  pastoral  office  in  this  county.      There    have 

been  63  instalhition.s,  and  ol  dismissions.  Twenty-one 
churches  have  pastors,  twelve  have  stated  preachers,  three 
are  vacant.     Oidv  44  churches  in  the  state  have  the  same 


18 

pastors  which  thoy  had  ten  j^ears  ago.     Eleven  of  tliese  are 
in  this  county. 

Some  of  the  men  whose  names  are  starred  on  the  fore- 
going catalogue  are  worth}-  of  a  more  extended  mention. 
But  ni}'  limits  forhid.  Their  praise  is  in  all  the  churches, 
and  their  record  is  on  high.  JNor  in  extolling  them  have 
we  any  occasion  to  disparage  the  younger  men  who  have 
entered  into  their  lahors.  Our  pul})its  were  never  more  ef- 
ficiently manned  than  they  are  to-day.  It  would  he  a  re- 
proach to  our  young  ministers  were  it  otherwise.  They  have 
the  experience  of  the  past  to  guide  them,  facilities  for  train- 
ing and  helps  in  their  Avork  unknown  to  the  fathers.  The 
world  moves,  and  the  Christian  ministry  may  reasonably  be 
expected  to  mov^e  with  it. 

The  perfect  hnrmony  and  christian  fellowship  which 
have  characterized  the  ministry  of  this  county,  is  due,  in 
no  small  measure,  to  their  monthly  meeting.  They  here 
take  each  other  by  the  hand,  discuss  points  of  difference, 
take  fraternal  counsel,  bow  together  at  the  throne  of  grace, 
and  learn  by  exjierience  what  is  meant  by  ''  conmiunion  of 
saints." 

From  the  survey  which  has  here  been  taken,  it  ap- 
pears that  seven  new  churches  have  been  organized,  and 
two  have  become  extinct. 

In  the  year  ISoG,  the  whole  number  of  communi- 
cants in  tliese  churclies,  as  near  as  can  be  ascertained,  was 
3,557.  They  now  report  5, '200,  an  increase  of  IJUo,  or  46 
per  cent.  I'he  increase  of  population  for  tAventy  years,  from 
1840,  was  41  per  cent.  If  we  except  the  Roman  Catholic 
immigration,  it  is  believed  that  the  increase  of  all  our  evan- 
gelical chuiches  is  in  advance  of  the  population. 


10 


or  the  cliurclics  ()rj2;mi/,('(l  previous  to  1  .SHC).  the    follow 
iiiii'  table  shows  the  increase  or  ileerease  : 


New  I^oinlon.  1st. 

Norwich.  1st 

Stoiiiiijrton,    1st... 

Old   l-yiue 

Pri'stoii  

Li'hiiiion 

Colchester 

Ciroton  

Franklin 

Criswold  

Montville 

Lisbon 


iN:i(> 

.uo  ; 

174 

17] 

p]ast  !.,yino , 

Lyme,  ( Hanildirc: 
.North  Sfoninirton. 

Westchester  

(iosiieii 

Hozrah  

rJrassy  Hill  

Norwich,  lid 

Sprairne 

Exeter 


Salem 

Ledyard 

.lewelt  City 

Bozraliville 

Mohegan 

Stoniny:ton.  'jil 

Greeneviile  

New  London,  2i\.... 
*  Indicates  increase. 


in; 

1-_M 
•_':;'» 
.'iC. 
1(14 
is:! 
141 

lot; 
:,(; 
s-_' 
'■>] 
n(\ 
fiO 

KIC, 

W7 
CR 
40 
S6 
75 
78 

3:') 

57 
141 

114 

i:'.0 


2155 
21  ".9 
!»;■) 
]H-2 
11'. 
I'.f. 
•_'77 

i:1S 

1  :>; 

'.HI  • 

71 
1  -JO 
11-2 
109 

87 

fi4 

40 
4-20 

lor, 

98 

fi8 

134 

U^ 

44 

18 

2*22 

•ifiO 

383 


l»>r  <  1. 

—  11 

-•20 
V, 
—  1 
'•'ii'i 
*ir) 
'12;'. 

—31 
—32 
—12 

•27 

••".7 

*27 

*9.', 

•40 
—40 

—  11 
•17 
".-4 

*14.'i 

*89 

*7« 

•ri.9 

•20 
_r.8 

••'w 
•128 
•104 


—  Indicates  (Iccrea.'i 


Twenty-two  liave  increased,  eight  have  heeii  diniin- 
ished.  The  lar<xest  per  centage  of  increase  is  in  New  Lon- 
don 2d  ;  next  is  Exeter,  wliieh.  with  a  decrease  of  popula- 
tion 20  per  cent.,  has  added  to  the  church  l-l")  i)er  cent. 
This  is  one  of  the  fruits  of  a  perniaiKMit  and  ellicient  inini.s- 
try.  If  our  young  ministers  would  more  generally  be  con- 
tent to  toil  on  in  the  sphere  to  which  the  providence  of  God 
assigns  them,  thoudi  limited  in  extent,  they  would  have 
the  satisfaction  of  seeing  the  fields  about  them  whitening  for 
an  aljundant  harvest,  and  in  the  end  would  purchase  to 
themselves  a  good  degree. 

Most  of  the  parishes  have  largely  increased  the  salaries 
of  their  ministers.  The  average,  about  »^1,200,  is  more  tlian 
the  highest  paid  thirty-three  years  ago.  In  some  ]iar- 
ishes  the  salaries  are  still  unreasonably,  unjustly  small.  This 


20 

is  specially  true  of  those  which  rely  inaiiily  upon  permanent 
funds. 

The  au'iiTcgnte  of  j)uhlic  chanties  rej)orted  for  18(j8  is 
|27,35o  80r 

Twenty-six  new  houses  of  public  worship  have  been 
erected.  Several  have  been  refitted  and  enlariied.  To  these 
may  be  added  three  mission  chapels  in  our  two  cities. 

Fourteen  parsonages  have  been  provided. 

Four  pastoral  libraries  have  been  founded.  There  is  de- 
mand for  more. 

The  period  under  review  has  been  characterized  by  the 
constant  indwelling  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  intbcated  b}'  the 
christian  fellowship  and  healthful  growth  of  tliis  sisterhood 
of  churches,  together  with  the  frequent  reviving  of  their 
graces  and  the  increase  of  their  luunbers.  At  the  same  time 
there  is  within  the  limits  of  the  county  a  mass  of  people 
who  are  not  reached  by  any  saving  influences  of  the  gospel. 
They  neglect  public  worship,  desecrate  the  Sabi)ath,  profane 
the  name  of  God,  scofi'  at  the  trutlis  of  Christianity,  addict 
themselves  to  vicious  indulgence,  to  the  slavery  of  the  basest 
appetites,  and  sink  themselves  far  below  the  better  class  of 
heathen.  How  to  bring  the  gospel  to  bear  upon  these  men 
is  a  problem  which  awakens  much  anxious  thought  and 
earnest  discussion. 

The  experience  of  our  churches  has  taught  them  to  put 
a  high  value  upon  the  ordinary  means  of  grace,  the  preach- 
ing of  the  word,  the  prayer  meeting  and  family  visitation. 

Some  of  them  have  held  a  series  of  religious  meetings 
of  several  days  continuance  with  very  great  s])iritual  bene- 
fit. Many  have  been  induced  by  means  like  these  to  join 
themselves  to  the  Lord. 

Our  experience  has  demonstrated  another  fact,  viz., 
that  persons  of  upright  lives,  trained  in  christian  families, 
and  habitual  attendants  uj)()n  })ublic  worship,  when  they 
openly  espouse  the  cause  of  Christ,  are  less  liable  than  oth- 
ers to  fall  away.  One  of  our  churches  reports,  "  That  nearly 
all  the  persons  ho[)efully  converted  here  two  years  ago,  who 
did  not  previously  sustain  a  good  moral  character,  have  gone 


21 

back  to  tlioir  evil  ways.  Some  of  the  most  r<'in;irkal)le  eon- 
versions,  as  they  were  (tailed  at  the  time,  turned  out  to  be 
remarkable  apostacies.  and  stronjr  driidv  lias  Ikhmi  the  princi- 
pal cause  ol'  it.' 

The  experience  of  other  chui'ches  it  is  believed  would 
prove  that  while  some  men  of  vicious  lives,  suddenly  con- 
verted, run  well,  very  many,  not  to  say  most  ot"  them,  go 
back  to  their  old  courses. 

The  history  of  these  churches  proves  that  permanent 
funds,  like  the  law,  are  good,  if  a  peoj>le  use  them  lawlully. 
They  afford  uselul  help  to  feeble  societies,  and  so  subserve 
the  interests  of  true  religion.  But  where  they  ccmstitute 
the  sole  or  main  reliance,  they  are  a  positive  damage.  Men 
attach  little  value  to  that  which  costs  them  nothing.  If, 
therefore,  you  would  crush  out  the  vitality  of  a  chnrch  aide 
to  sustain  its^elf,  impo.se  upon  it  a  permanent  fund  sullicient 
to  meet  all  its  expenses. 

The  churches  of  this  state  had  long  felt  the  need  of 
some  closer  bond  of  union.  In  the  autumn  of  18G7  a  con- 
vention was  called  at  New  Britain  to  consider  this  subject, 
"which  after  due  deliberation  organized  a  general  confer- 
ence of  Congregational  churches  of  Connecticut,  to  l>e  com- 
posed of  delegates  from  county  conferences  and  other  ec(de- 
siastical  bodies,  in  the  ratio  of  one  delegate  for  every  three 
hundred  members. 

The  General  As.sociation.  whi(di  is  a  clerical  body,  has 
transferred  to  the  conference  the  mnnMcr^ment  of  Ihmie  Mis- 
sions, Home  Evangelization,  the  ''  '  ^und.  corres;)ond- 
ence  with  other  ecclesiastical  b'  %erything  • ,  •:  .li 
pertains  to  the  general  welfare  c  "lies.  I  his  js  a 
movement  in  tlie  right  directi-  the  [)romise  of 
much  good.      It  marks  one  sttp     ■  ,      .  ■     -   ' 

To  tlio.se  of  us  who  are  soon  to  clo.^e  our  labors,  it  is 
gratifying  to  know  that  the  i)resent  membership  of  our 
churches  is  no  whit  behind  the  generation  Avhich  pre- 
ceded them,  in  devotion  to  the  work  of  the  Lord  and  active 


*The  Conference   is   no  lonjrer  a  matter  of  experiment.     The   second  annual 
meeting,  held  at  Kockville,  October  2G,  demonstrates  its  perfect  success. 


22 

endeavors  to  advance  his  kingdom.  They  have  more  libe- 
rality in  giving,  more  ability  to  give,  a  better  understand- 
ing of  God's  truth,  and  hence  more  fellowship  with  Chris- 
tians of  other  name. 

On  bidding  adieu  to  the  past,  we  commend  to  those  who 
come  after  us  and  who  enter  into  our  labors,  the  interests  of 
these  churches,  the  training  of  the  children  for  Christ,  the 
gathering  into  the  fold  of  the  Good  Shepherd  our  home  born 
population,  and  the  evangelization  of  the  thousands  who 
fro7n  the  old  world  are  every  year  thrown  upon  our  shores. 
We  commend  to  them  the  diffusion  of  the  gospel  among  all 
nations. 

We  have  made  a  beginning.  Our  methods  of  labor  are 
imperfect,  they  may  need  to  be  revised.  To  achieve  the  full 
triumjjh  of  the  cross,  demands  a  large  increase  of  liberality, 
zeal  and  devotion  to  the  work  of  the  Lord. 

As  we  surrender  our  trust  to  other  hands,  we  do  it  in 
the  confident  assurance  that  they  will  bring  to  it  greater 
wisdom,  richer  resources,  and  more  entire  consecration  to 
the  common  cause,  till  the  earth  shall  be  filled  with  the 
knowled<'e  of  the  "dorv  of  the  Lord. 


HOTOMOUNT 
^^PHLET  BINDER 

"onufocturedby 
t-ORD  BROS.  Inc. 
.cocuso,  N.  Y. 

■'  JCkfon,  Calif. 


